TV presenters introduce and host programmes, interview people and report on issues and events.
45 to 47 variable
evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly
You can get into this job through:
Many people get a degree before becoming a TV presenter. Relevant subjects include:
If you want to work as a presenter for a specialist programme, you may need a science, history or economics degree.
You'll usually need:
You could do an advanced apprenticeship in creative media as a first step towards working in the TV industry.
Most people following this route have:
Presenters can move into TV from other media jobs like journalism or research.
Competition is strong, so you'll need determination, persistence and the ability to promote yourself.
Jobs aren't usually advertised, so you need to make contacts to find out who is hiring. You could start by working in another job like runner, to get experience and build up your network of contacts.
You could get presenting experience through:
Broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, insight and talent days, which can help you understand the industry.
Some broadcasters hold competitions to find new presenters.
You'll usually need a showreel, with clips of yourself on camera, to present to broadcasters, producers or media recruitment agency.
If you have detailed knowledge of a subject like sport, gardening, food or music, you might find work as an expert contributor.
You'll find more details about working in presenting through ScreenSkills and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.
You'll need:
Your daily tasks would depend on the type of show you present, but may include:
You could work at a tv studio.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
With an established TV career, you could branch out into radio work, acting or writing for newspapers and magazines.
With experience, you could also choose to move into other areas within the media industry like production.